Short Summary

Top weightlifters travelled to Perth in Western Australia to compete in the World 'power-lifting' Championships held there on Saturday (5 November (5 November).

Description

Top weightlifters travelled to Perth in Western Australia to compete in the World 'power-lifting' Championships held there on Saturday (5 November (5 November). Among them was the world champion of the 100-kilo class, Britain's Paul Jordan - but in this division it was American Larry Pacifico who excelled.

SYNOPSIS: Here the big American helped by his trainer and supporters, prepared to lift 242.5 kilos. At one stage it looked as if the barbells would break under the strain, and for Pacifico it was obviously a tremendous effort just to get them onto his shoulders. But he managed the lift with style, and set a new world record. A feat worthy of the applause it drew from the audience.

Pacifico's success promoted Britain's Paul Jordan, the world champion, to try a lift of 245 kilos, two and a half kilos more than the American had lifted. Going on his previous record, and the manner in which he prepared himself for the lift, Jordan looked to have a good chance. He certainly showed a lot of energy in his pre-lift performance -- but success eluded him.

His legs seemed to give out under the massive weight, and he fell to the ground, with the barbells falling onto him.

People rushed to Jordan's aid, and tried to help him up, but he couldn't move.

He had to be carried out by stretcher and was taken to Perth Hospital. Doctors later said Jordan had severely damaged his leg muscles. He was to receive surgery and it was understood he would be put out of competition for a long time. An unhappy ending to the championships which had started with such spectacular success.